Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Ellis · Posted: Wed Mar 20, 2013 11:54 pm Post subject: What do you think of Top Gear ?

I have to admit that I never watch it or Fifth Gear and prefer the car restoration programmes of which there seem to be many now on Sky.

Whatever your opinion on Jeremy Clarkson, when he does a "proper documentary" as in, for example the raid on St Nazaire or the Victoria Cross the quality, balance and research is exemplary and his presentation skills are admirable.

Your opinions please.
_________________
Starting Handle Expert

1964 Jaguar Mark 2 3.4 litre
1962 Land Rover Series 2a 88"
2002 BMW M3 E46 Cabriolet

welshrover · Joined: 09 Aug 2011 Posts: 326

i like clarkson he's daft as a brush. i dont think you should take him serious apart from the two programmes you said . as for fifth gear or the audi/ bmw show in other words , i find it boring . not much to laugh at like top gear. too serious for me and the girl gets on my nerves with her screaming like a schoolgirl thing..

JC T ONE · Joined: 30 Oct 2008 Posts: 1139 Location: Denmark

Here in Denmark we have the Worlds highest tax on cars, but not ONE little program on classic cars Rolling Eyes

I tried to approach some tv stations a couple of years ago, but was not able to get a positive reply from any of them Rolling Eyes

_________________
http://www.eurods.eu/wp/index.html

Keith D · Posted: Thu Mar 21, 2013 2:49 am Post subject:

I think Clarkson and team are superb entertainers, but Top Gear is not a serious car show. Unless a car can do 0-100km/hr in half a second, it's "rubbish"! Especially if it costs less than a million pounds!
I agree with Ellis, I thoroughly enjoy the non-motoring shows that they all do as individuals!
Keith

peter scott · Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 7211 Location: Edinburgh

I think Top Gear is good fun and the presenters are a fit to the program and each other but it has been running with same themes for too long.

The only other car program I've seen recently is Wheeler Dealers and I think the mechanic is fine but I can't stand the dealer.

Peter
_________________
https://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

welshrover · Joined: 09 Aug 2011 Posts: 326

rjt10/4 · Joined: 26 Nov 2012 Posts: 214 Location: Minions Cornwall

wheeler dealers makes me wonder how genuine the final sale is or if buyer is paid to purchase the car as they do on car booty top gear is ok especially their specials

peter scott · Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 7211 Location: Edinburgh

Exactly! They aren't making enough profit to cover their wages, premises, insurance etc.

It's a nonsense.

Peter
_________________
https://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

Riley Blue · Joined: 18 Jun 2008 Posts: 1751 Location: Derbyshire

Where's the delete button - I sneezed before I finished!

Riley Blue · Joined: 18 Jun 2008 Posts: 1751 Location: Derbyshire

Top Gear - it has become repetitive, predictable and desperate to fill time slots judging by the recent Africa expedition stretched over two episodes, one would have been plenty.

It's entertainment, pure and simple with the accent on the latter. It's big boys playing with big boys' toys while they still can, i.e. before the environmentalists finally kick big engined cars into touch. I watch it mainly for the interplay between the three presenters but even that has become cliched in recent series: the serious one, the total *rs* and the cute little one.

It's had its day but as long as Pagani and the rest continue to make cars that few can afford Top Gear will have viewers.

clan chieftain · Joined: 05 Apr 2008 Posts: 2041 Location: Motherwell

No comment Crying or Very sad

_________________
The Clan Chieftain

Richard H · Joined: 03 Apr 2009 Posts: 2150 Location: Lincolnshire, UK

pogo · Joined: 01 Feb 2013 Posts: 51 Location: Limousin. France

I agree with comments that it is now repetative, but what would take its place as a widely enjoyed motoring programme for all the family?

Its the only car show my wife and daughter have ever watched.

Personally, I still enjoy the big tasks, and would prefer TG to become a twice a year programme with just these tasks. Staged, but still good entertainment.

I enjoy Wheeler Dealers too, but only the renovation section. The buying and selling section, as well as the bit where he drives someone elses car should be shortened or shelved IMO.AND, they have just done ANOTHER Range Rover, when there are countless interesting cars they have never touched. I suspect they find a suitable car, then base the programme around what they find. Either that, or Brewer manages to find in a couple of days what used to take me months and miles to find. Laughing

I enjoyed Car SOS too, but neither of these programmes will draw in the general public like TG. Long may it reign , in one form or another.

Paul
_________________
http://www.centralfrancestorage.com/index.html

BigJohn · Joined: 01 Jan 2011 Posts: 954 Location: Wem, Shropshire

Top Gear?, Last of the Summer Wine on wheels. One tall one with ideas but no clue, One captain sensible, and a litle short*rse who does things which nearly kill him. It is unmissable comedy with cars.
5th gear is unwatchable due to Vicky Humplby-Bumplby or whatever she's called, annoying squeaking, bring back Penny Mallory.

52classic · Joined: 02 Oct 2008 Posts: 493 Location: Cardiff.

Not really a car programme is it?

Not bad entertainment though, if annoyingly juvenile much of the time.

Hammond gets on my nerves, Clarkson is all the better for being a class biggot (though you wouldn't want him on your package holiday to Spain!)
The other bloke seems like he'd be good company over a pint of real ale!

Never manage to find 'wheelers' probably because we're only on freeview